Happy Diwali!

I asked a good friend of mine, who is from Meerut, 'I heard that North Indians give one another gifts for Diwali.'

He thought for some time and replied, 'We believe in receiving gifts, not giving.' That reply brought a smile on my face.

In the South, we feed one another gifts. We eat lot of sweets, of different flavors and colors, which make our tummies wider. We decorate the house with diyas (lamps) and burst crackers, in the evening. The crackers sizzle, pop, rumble and a few of them explode with thunderous sounds. (Any questions about environment are not encouraged) 

Diwali is an Indian festival, also known as the festival of lights. The diya (lamp) is the symbol for this festival. The light signifies victory of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. There are different mythological roots to this festival. The North part of India, celebrates return of Lord Rama and Sita Devi to Ayodhya. In the South, the victory of Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama over the demon Narakasura is celebrated as Diwali. Diwali is mired by an age old controversy between male chauvinists and feminists.   

Narakasura is a demon, who gave no peace to the Gods and troubled them. On top of his bad attitude, he got a wish from Brahma, that he can be killed only by his Mother, Bhoodevi (Goddess Earth). Now, you must be thinking that he is undefeatable. But the Gods are smarter. Bhoodevi reincarnated on Earth as Satyabhama, wife of Lord Krishna. Krishna goes to war with Narakasura, with Satyabhama by his side. Narakasura injures Krishna with his trident in the battle. Krishna becomes unconscious. Satyabhama comes to defense of Krishna, shoots Narakasura with an arrow and kills him. 

The male chauvinists say that Krishna knows that Narakasura can be killed only by Satyabhama, which is why he pretends to become unconscious. The feminists like me argue that Satyabhama protected Krishna from Narakasura. Whatever the interpretation, I wish you all a 'Happy Diwali'. May the festival bring lot of light and happiness in your life. 

For all the folks, who don't want to put on weight. Devour these e-sweets.

For all the environment friendly folks. Celebrate this e-Diwali.

Bhoochakra, Vishnu Chakra

Chichubuddi, flower pot

Sparkler

Pencil Sparkler

Rocket